the "Away" game
Harry Russ



Now that you have the dog responding to the DT (Don't touch) for about two weeks with 100% response, you let the dog in the yard and have your clicker and hot dogs ready. The dog starts to dig, you immediately say Don't Touch in a calm, quiet voice. The moment the dog stops to dig for a second, you click and reward.

You can throw the hot dog to the dog.

You next get the dog to come away from the area. I like to use my AWAY game. You have the dog next to you and throw a hot dog piece a few feet in front of you. As the dog goes to get it you say AWAY. The moment the dog moves to get the piece of hot dog, you click. When it gets to the hot dog and picks it up to eat, you say come. The moment the dog starts to move, you click and when it gets to you, you give it a piece of hot dog. You do this at least twenty time a session, three times a day until when you say away the dog starts away from you. Then when the digging session is in progress you do the Don't Touch, and when the dog gets the reward, you do the away and get the dog to go for the hot dog piece you throw when it looks at you. Then call the dog and move the game slowly away from the area of the digging..

Play with the dog for a period of time and move inside. Do this at least three times a day for five weeks. Then let the dog in the yard and observe its behavior. If it starts to dig, you start all over. Patience and perseverance are the necessary qualities of a good trainer.